Easy Christmas Dinner Menu for 12 People
And just like that, Yuletide season is once again upon us!
If you're looking for easy Christmas dinner recipes for your holiday menu, I've rounded up the best dishes that will give you even more to celebrate.
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Apart from the presents, lights, and a beautifully decorated tree, what people look forward to the most come Christmas is the food.
Christmas isn't complete without a stunning feast!
Add holiday cheer to your home by serving a scrumptious, colorful, and festive dinner.
From sides to entrees to desserts to drinks, I have you covered. Everyone will love these easy dishes.
This roundup of Christmas dinner ideas will satisfy your cravings and make your holiday even more joyful.
30+ Christmas Recipes and Dinner Menu
1. Baked Brie Bites
Start your dinner menu off with a bang! These appetizers are crisp, buttery, and downright addictive.
Rich brie nestles in golden brown pastry shells and is garnished with a variety of toppings.
These bite-sized goodies are so tasty, you can't stop at one, especially since they come in 4 flavors!
How can you choose between garlic butter herb, maple bacon with pecans, cranberry, and apricot walnut?
The answer is, you can't. You've gotta have them all!
2. Maple Glazed Ham
Serving ham for your main course? Don't settle for store-bought! Make it yourself and your loved ones will surely feel extra loved this Christmas.
Don't worry, this recipe is very easy.
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With 7 simple ingredients, you can make the most succulent ham with a wonderfully sweet maple and brown sugar glaze. Ah, nothing beats a classic.
3. Stuffing
No Christmas dinner menu is complete without the sides! This stuffing is fully loaded with walnuts, apricots, cranberries, onions, mushrooms, and celery.
I mean, just imagine the explosion of flavors and textures! Thanks to the veggies, the bread is perfectly moist.
Whether you stuff this stuffing into a turkey or devour it as is, it doesn't matter. It will still be heavenly. Merry Christmas, indeed!
4. Oven-Roasted Turkey
We can't talk about stuffing without mentioning our favorite holiday bird. If you're serving turkey for Christmas, this recipe is all you'll need.
It's incredibly juicy, buttery, well-seasoned, and roasted to golden perfection. Trust me, this turkey will make your momma proud.
Best of all, it's a breeze to make! There's no basting or brining involved. It's so easy, it's fool-proof.
5. Cranberry Apple Pork Chops
Tender, juicy pork chops are seasoned perfectly and topped with apples, cranberries, pecans, and walnuts. That's what I call the ultimate feast!
The crunch from the apples and nuts plus the chewiness of the cranberries gives such a wonderful texture contrast to the tender pork chops.
And the flavor? Oh boy. The combination of rich, sweet, and salty is absolutely to die for.
6. Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
These legendary potatoes are crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and rich and buttery all over. They're a must-have on the Christmas table, as everyone loves potatoes!
Just look at how gorgeous these golden baby potatoes are!
The parmesan cheese turns into a crisp crust as it bakes, giving the potatoes that stunning look, flavor, and texture.
While these spuds are definitely holiday-worthy, they're easy enough to make on any given day.
There's no need to wait for December to enjoy this addictive dish!
7. Beef Brisket
Succulent, fork tender beef is smothered with a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce. Talk about drool-worthy!
There are two factors that make this dish epic: the tender beef roast and the awesome sauce.
Slow-cooked for 8 hours, the beef gets so soft; it melts in your mouth.
It's then roasted in the oven and basted with barbecue sauce to get its ridiculously amazing flavor.
Serve the brisket with roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw for a truly magnificent Christmas dinner.
8. Roasted Butternut Squash Parmesan
If you're looking for ways to introduce vegetables to your kids, this is the recipe for you.
Sweet butternut squash is coated with parmesan cheese and spices and baked until caramelized and golden.
What a light and flavorful side dish!
The parmesan cheese turns beautifully brown and crisp as it bakes, giving the sweet and tender squash a nice flavor and texture contrast.
It's so good, even the pickiest eaters will fight over it!
9. Potato Leek Soup
It's creamy, buttery, and absolutely divine. This potato leek soup is comfort food at its finest!
One spoonful of this soup is guaranteed to uplift your spirit and bring you Christmas cheer.
What could be better than soft, chunky potatoes swimming in a rich and thick broth?
Plus, the sweet and savory flavor of leeks give the potatoes a lovely contrast. The flavor combination makes the soup so addictive!
10. Carrot Casserole
Who says vegetables don't deserve the spotlight?
Sweet carrots are swimming in a creamy cheese sauce topped with crispy breadcrumbs and baked until golden.
This carrot casserole is the definition of comfort.
It's such a simple dish, but it sure hits the spot.
The sweetness of the carrots, the richness of the cheese, and crunchiness of the topping create a wonderful balance of tastes and textures.
For a crunchy contrast, serve a side of Brussels sprouts with this dish.
11. Roast Beef
Ultra-tender and juicy roast beef is seasoned with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. It's perfection on a plate.
Roast beef may seem so intimidating to make, but in fact, it's very easy.
There's nothing fancy about the recipe. It's just simple herbs and a good cut of beef. Prime rib works well, too.
Rubbed with seasonings and roasted in just one hour, this roast beef couldn't be simpler.
12. Roasted Parsnips
Parsnips for Christmas? Seems unlikely, but wait until you try this easy-peasy recipe.
Coat the parsnips in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake until crisp. That's all it takes!
It's such a simple recipe that rewards you with sweet, caramelized parsnips that are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
13. Gravy
Whether it's chicken, pork, turkey, or beef, this gravy will transform any meat from so-so to sensational.
Oozing with so much flavor, it might just steal the show!
All you need are drippings, fat, flour, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper to whip up the best gravy ever.
There are no special cooking methods, either! This gravy comes together in under 10 minutes.
14. Christmas Goose
Looking for unique Christmas dinner ideas? Say goodbye to beef roast and turkey and hello to Christmas goose!
Did you know that back in the Middle Ages, people served goose, not turkey, during Christmas?
Geese were at their fattest during the end of the year, which made them the perfect bird to cook for Michaelmas – the holiday that celebrated the end of harvest.
It was only when people moved to America that they replaced goose with turkey because that's what was available to them.
15. Brandy Milk Punch
Let's take a quick break from the starters and entrees and talk drinks!
Make your Christmas party extra fun with this sweet and creamy brandy milk punch.
It's made with milk, simple syrup, vanilla, egg white, brandy, and rum. These simple ingredients make a spectacular boozy drink.
It's the perfect beverage to cap off the Christmas evening while you're socializing with everyone.
16. White Christmas Dream Cocktail
Speaking of boozy beverages, here's another one for you! This dreamy drink is a cocktail and dessert in one.
One sip is all it takes to cleanse your palate and warm you up on a cold evening.
Made with vodka, amaretto, heavy cream, and nutmeg, this cocktail is sweet and creamy with bitter and nutty undertones.
It's also a breeze to make! Just put all the ingredients in a shaker and shake away.
17. Sparkling Pomegranate Punch
Sweet and fruity with just the right amount of kick: that's what this punch is about.
If you're looking for a drink to wow your guests, this is it.
Here's a breakdown of what goes into this punch: sparkling pomegranate juice, cider, orange juice, lemon, and champagne.
It's simple, yet packed with flavor.
It's healthy, to boot! You won't have to worry about packing on too much holiday weight with this drink.
18. Roasted Vegetables With Pecan Crumble
Roasting vegetables brings out more of their natural sweetness, so they are already flavorful as it is.
But top them with a sweet brown sugar and pecan crumble, and you'll have an unbelievably tasty dish.
Sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash sit underneath a crumble of brown sugar, flour, pecans, butter, and paprika.
The contrast between crisp topping and fork-tender veggies is perfection.
19. Christmas Salad
Lighten up your heavy Christmas dinner with a simple yet flavorful salad.
Loaded with kale, candied pecans, blue cheese, oranges, and pomegranate seeds, this salad is not just about the flavor and texture, but the color, too!
It's so festive, you'll want to dig in right away.
The citrus vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing and tangy flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
20. Hasselback Potatoes
They're crisp, tender, and absolutely amazing. Hasselback potatoes are a fun twist to the usual roasted tots.
Those thin slices create such a wonderful texture as the potatoes bake. The crevices become super crisp, while the inside remains soft and fluffy.
And the flavor is so buttery! The chives add sweetness and earthiness to the potatoes. They're perfect alongside a tender cut of beef, such as prime rib.
21. Tourtière
Tourti̬re Рit sounds so fancy, but what on earth is it???
It's ground meat flavored with onions and other seasonings resting in a crisp and flaky crust.
This savory pie is brought to us by our French-Canadian friends.
It's rich, savory, hearty, and exactly what everyone will want in a Christmas dinner.
You'd better make at least two of these, because I guarantee one won't be enough.
22. Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Broccoli and cauliflower aren't very popular with the kids. But add some cheese, and they'll gobble up this casserole.
Green and white florets are swimming in a thick and creamy sauce topped with loads of cheese and baked to perfection. Yum!
It's rich, savory, and good for you, too. Rarely do I come across such a recipe, so I bookmarked this one right away!
23. Cranberry Pear Sauce
Turkey isn't the same without cranberry sauce, so don't forget to make one! This cranberry pear sauce will make your turkey taste ten times better.
The best part is that it only calls for three ingredients: cranberries, pears, and honey. That's it!
It couldn't get any easier than that. It's so simple, yet the flavor is out of this world.
24. Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna
Calling all vegetarians out there: this butternut squash and spinach lasagna is the most scrumptious, mouth-watering dish you can serve for Christmas.
Sweet veggies are stuffed with ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses and baked until golden and bubbly.
I'm not a vegetarian, but with this dish, I might just turn into one! It's so good, you won't even miss the meat or the pasta.
25. Beef Wellington
For the ultimate gift to your loved ones, why not make them a sinfully delightful Beef Wellington for Christmas?
Melt-in-your-mouth tenderloin is topped with dijon mustard and a medley of mushrooms.
It's then wrapped in prosciutto and puff pastry and baked until golden. That's what I call the perfect bite.
There's no better way of showing your family and friends just how much you love them… and just how good you are in the kitchen!
It is famed chef Gordon Ramsay's signature dish, so it's quite intimidating to make from scratch.
But Beef Wellington is undeniably delectable, and all that hard work will be worth it.
26. Holiday Antipasto Wreath
This colorful and edible wreath is packed with flavor. Nothing screams Christmas more than that!
Salami, mozzarella, basil, olives, and peppers are shaped into an adorable wreath.
Sprigs of rosemary are added to give the wreath a pop of color. Joy to the world, indeed!
27. Traditional German Rotkohl
Add a German flair to your Christmas dinner by serving this sweet and refreshing rotkhol.
Rotkhol is a traditional German side dish made of red cabbage, apples, caramelized onions, red currant jam, and juniper berries.
The ingredients are cooked in broth and red wine vinegar, making them turn red. How very appropriate for Christmas!
28. Peppermint Bark Ice Cream
Sweet ice cream is loaded with chunks of peppermint bark. What a wonderful treat to end your Christmas menu.
This peppermint bark ice cream is a no-churn ice cream, which means it does not require an ice cream maker.
It's an easy-peasy recipe that will give you the most refreshing ice cream! It's so yummy, one scoop won't be enough.
29. Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Wonderfully spiced gingerbread cake is topped with a sweet and creamy cream cheese frosting. It's the ultimate Christmas confection.
The cake is incredibly moist and sweet. The ginger and other spices add a warming, cozy flavor that will make you want to eat one slice after another.
30. Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Can't decide between apple pie and cinnamon roll for dessert? With this recipe, you can have them both.
Both desserts make use of similar ingredients, so putting them together makes absolute sense.
The traditional apple pie is elevated into a Christmas-y confection by adding cinnamon to the crust and drizzling a cinnamon sugar glaze over the topping.
How amazing is that?!
31. Pumpkin Pie
Adding creativity to dessert is fun, but you also can't go wrong with the classic. This pumpkin pie is wonderfully sweet, creamy, and delectable.
Already making dozens of dishes for Christmas dinner? Well, this recipe is for you. It's almost effortless, but yields a lip-smacking pumpkin pie.
32. Cheesecake Bites
Cheesecake that you can devour in one bite? How adorable is that?!
But why on earth would you make several mini-cheesecakes instead of just one big one? Here's the answer: you can have five different toppings.
With this recipe, you don't have to decide on just one.
Let's be honest, it's impossible to choose between chocolate, blueberries, crushed candies, and pumpkin!
This way, you're free to use whatever topping you want.
33. Cranberry Brie Bites
This recipe only calls for 5 ingredients, and yet, it makes such a phenomenal holiday appetizer.
Cranberry brie bites are a festive finger food made of flaky pastry, brie cheese, cranberry jam, and rosemary sprigs.
Their red and green colors make these bites the perfect way to start your Christmas party.
They're also as delicious as they are gorgeous! The creaminess of the cheese goes wonderfully with the jam. The rosemary adds a nice earthy flavor, to boot.
34. Crockpot Mac and Cheese
There's never not a good time for mac and cheese – no matter the season, no matter the occasion.
This Crockpot mac and cheese takes the all-time favorite to a whole new level.
Cooked for 3 hours, the macaroni is given more than enough time to absorb all the flavors from the cheese and the sauce.
The cheese also forms a crispy and melty topping that makes the dish so much more addictive.
35. Pull-Apart Christmas Tree
Let's end this list with a bang, shall we? This pull-apart Christmas tree bread is a show-stopper!
The concept is simple, really. It's just bite-sized pieces of cheese-filled bread formed like a Christmas tree.
But OMG, what a treat.
The munchkins are already scrumptious on their own. But they're even drizzled with a mixture of melted butter, parmesan, and herbs for good measure.
This appetizer is the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas feast.
Source: https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/christmas-dinner-recipes/